Several USC players came back from injuries or took positive steps early in their return, at Sunday afternoon's practice.

Right tackle Drew Radovich participated on a limited basis for the second-straight day, as he recovers from a sore back. Radovich played with the second-team offense against the scout-team defense.

"He's not able to withstand a whole practice," coach Pete Carroll said. "He tightens up during the work.

"I think they're talking about Tuesday or something like that, when he might be at full speed."

Radovich said Saturday that he expects to be the starter again, once his strength returns. Sunday, Carroll wavered on whether the senior could start the opener against Idaho, Sept. 1, but ultimately said, "I would think right now it's going to be a long shot for him to do that, because he hasn't been full-speed yet."

Linebacker Luthur Brown saw limited action, in his first day back from a pulled hamstring.

"They're easing him back out," Carroll said. "He had a pretty significant hamstring pull, and that's all we're waiting on. He's getting close. If he made it through today all right, they'll continue to upgrade him."

Defensive end Lawrence Jackson (shoulder) took a snap or two against the scout-team offense. Aside from that, he was idle for the second-straight day.

Cornerback Kevin Thomas participated in some position drills, after returning Saturday.